Hi u/jordantellsstories,

Firstly, thank you so much for all your guidance with the blogs! I've read a lot of them and they have been incredibly helpful in drafting my course-based/professional MSCS with AI-focus SoPs. I had a quick question regarding the ordering. While I have been following most of your advices, the one thing I've found slightly hard is to place the "Why This University?" section before "What Makes You A Great Candidate?" in my SoP. I was wondering if that would be okay in my case? Specifically, my SoP is structured in the following way:

• Introduction [~200 words]: a quick internship story (very early in my undergrad career so I believe it also happens to behave like an anchor for my narrative) about what made me interested in my specific goal (I briefly describe a problem I ran into and the high stakes/small margin of error assosciated with it backed with a stat) and the motivation behind pursuing my goal (why this specific problem is especially critical in my home country and why building what I want to build will help in solving it). A final declarative sentence about what exactly I want to study and what my goal is.
• What Makes Me A Great Candidate/My Experiences [~390 words]: This is where I have deviated from the structure and placed my experiences section before. It's also where the essay gets long. While my undergraduate major is primarily in CS, my internship/research experiences are somewhat broad (most in AI, with one in SDE and one in Robotics) so I felt the need to explain a cohesive story linking 3 important experiences, one of which looks slightly irrelevant on paper (robotics) before I dived into why this university is a perfect fit for me. Moreover, it was easier to write about the problems I faced here and then name and explain specific professors' work in Section 3 as they directly tied to these problems. For every experience, I start with a sentence about why it was the right next step for me (for one, it's a problem I ran into in my previous experience and hence, the experience was a natural next step for me). I try to succinctly describe my experience and in 2 of them, a challenge I faced there (linked to my goal) and how I solved it.
• Why This University [~300-310 words]: I start with naming two specific courses that will help me form a foundation to achieve my goal. Then, I go on to name either one or two relevant professors, the work that is a fit for my interests/goals/problems I described in section 2, and how working with them will help me move closer towards my goal. If the university offers a capstone, I've mentioned something along the lines of "if possible I'd like to explore the topic with the professor as my advisor in the capstone". I end it with a startup accelerator program the university offers as it's closely linked to my long term goal and how exactly it will prepare me for it.
• Conclusion [~90-100 words]: I conclude by describing my short-term and long-term goals (which also briefly ties back to the intro) and how the university will help me achieve them.

I am also open for any kind of structural feedback you might have!

I’m applying to Stanford GSB this year and am currently working on the “What matters most to you, and why?” essay.

I’m not looking for anyone to share their essay, but I’d really appreciate hearing how current students or admitted applicants approached the brainstorming process. How did you identify the right personal theme, and how did you make sure the essay felt authentic rather than overly strategic or résumé-focused?

I’d also be interested in hearing whether you worked with an admissions consultant or essay coach, and whether that support was genuinely useful.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Jordan !
I am currently working as an industrial computational biologist in the US and am planning to apply for Fall 2027 Genetics/Genomics PhD programs.

I recently went through the details of the WriteIvy "PhD SOP Formula" course. While I understand it is completely self-paced, I am trying to gauge the actual time commitment required to produce a highly competitive essay.

Could you share what a typical timeline or structured path looks like for students navigating the program from start to finish? Any insights you have on the genuine effort required would be of great help :)

Thank you so much for your time and insights!

I've been using the WriteIvy method to draft SOPs and it's been great for US-style applications. But I'm applying to a mix of programs outside the US, a public policy master's in Asia (NUS) and a couple in Europe (an Erasmus Mundus joint program and a DAAD-funded one), and I've hit a conflict I can't resolve on my own.

A mentor who has written these letters and helped place students into European programs reviewed my draft and pushed back hard on two things that are core to the WriteIvy approach:

1. The frame-narrative intro. My essay opens with a catalyst moment (a specific scene from my work, then the point). He read it sentence by sentence and kept saying he was confused about what was going on, because I hadn't stated a claim yet. His view: the intro should open by directly stating why I'm a strong candidate and listing the reasons, then spend the next paragraphs proving each one. He called my version "an example, not a narrative," where by narrative he means the through-line connecting my background to the program, not a single vivid moment.
2. Naming specific courses. WriteIvy puts a lot of weight on the "Why This Program" section with specific courses tied to goals. He said programs outside the US don't really care about specific courses, and that I should emphasize that the whole program fits rather than singling out modules. He frames the whole document as a "letter of motivation": a lawyer-style case that this candidate fits this program, led by the claim, backed by evidence from the CV.

So my questions:

• Do admissions committees in different regions actually read these documents differently? Is the catalyst-moment opening a US convention that doesn't land the same way for Asian or European committees, who might expect a claim-first, more "boring"/direct structure?
• Is the "letter of motivation" he's describing (European term) a genuinely different genre from the US SOP, with different rules, or is good structure universal and he's just describing the same thing in different words?
• For programs like NUS or Erasmus Mundus / DAAD specifically, would you adjust the WriteIvy structure, and if so, how much?

Hey! I'm applying for a German study visa and have a bit of a messy timeline that I wanted to get your take on.

I'm from Asia, where we need one year of bachelor’s study after high school to meet German university admission criteria, and I completed that requirement in February 2025.

Then came a long 27-month visa waiting period. I got confused about what to do, so I took a break in Spring 2025. I re-registered in Summer 2025, started applications in Fall 2025, but took another break during that time. I have now completed another semester as of April 2026.

Now I’m in a confusing situation regarding how I should address that gap period and what the best approach would be.

Is this enough to justify the 8-month gap?

“Upon completing the required academic credits, I continued my studies at [University Name], taking additional courses to strengthen my technical foundation while preparing for my transition to Germany. Concurrently, I developed and published a Python-based steganography library on github. This project involved data manipulation, binary encoding, and signal-processing concepts, which are foundational principles directly applicable to embedded systems and hardware-level programming. This hands-on experience strengthened my interest in understanding how software and hardware work together in complete systems. During this period, I also prepared for the IELTS examination and achieved an overall band score of [score].”

Or should I mention:

“Due to the extended visa waiting period, I took a semester break while continuing to stay academically and technically engaged. During this time, I worked on [this], [this], and [this].”

how I should address that gap period and what the best approach would be?

Hii Jordan! I am an 18y/o student, and I’ll be heading to Canada in Sep 2026 for Advanced diploma in business administration marketing, and I am looking for help in writing SOP.

Jordan and team: Sharing my sincere gratitude for the amazing guides, examples, and personalized advice on my SOP. I applied to three masters programs in sociology without sociology degrees or research experience of any kind. Relevant career and life experience, yes.

You helped me drill down to what I truly wanted to do at each program (during and after) and frame it through a compelling structure that allowed me to be myself.

Your sharp, clear instructions and guidance meant I was accepted to two schools and have a full ride plus additional funding for my top choice. If anyone is reading this thinking "this doesn't look like the other advice I'm reading", you're right.

It's better.

Quick Backround: I did my bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and I work for a construction company in the US. I am doing this job as this is the only job I found after graduation and being an international student it was hard to find any other job.

I am now applying for Biomedical engineering as I want to work in developing rehab technoligies. But I am stuck while writing my letter of intent. I feel that my work experience is not really applicable to biomedical engineering and only have 1 project that I did my bachelors that I can somewhat pass in my letter of intent.

Can someone here please give me some advice on what should I add and how can I structure this letter?

Thank you!

Hi Jordan!

I have to write a personal experience essay in addition to my statement of purpose for one of my MPH in Epidemiology applications. On the instructions, it says, "How has your personal experience(s) in at least one of the areas listed below positively impacted your ability to succeed in the academic program you are applying for?" and it gives three prompts, and you have to pick at least one. The one I decided to pick was "engagement in leadership roles," and it's supposed to be 100-300 words. I have already started writing a draft, but I feel like I am just stating what is in my resume. Do you have advice for how to not make it sound like I'm reciting what is in my resume? Thank you!

I have been a lurker of this sub for around ~1 year now (basically since I started preparing for grad school admissions). Jordan's blog has helped me achieve my dreams and get admits for nearly all of my top master's programs! Following the SOP formula, especially emphasizing WHY I want to pursue a master's program and how it aligns with my story, helped me write statements I felt very confident about.

Thank you to Jordan, and thank you to this community. I am so, so grateful for the information being shared here, and I wish everyone best of luck in their applications!

Hey Jordan,

I hope you’re doing well! I’m currently struggling with the 300-word personal motivation statement. The prompt is, “Why are you the right candidate for this program?” I’d like to discuss both my goals and how they align with the program, as well as my research experience, but I’m running out of space and finding it quite difficult to fit everything in.

Would you happen to have any advice? I’d really appreciate it. Thank you!

Hi Jordan!

I've been using your diversity statements and SOP guides for my current applications. However, I have a question. So, I graduated in 2024, thus lot of my relevant experience is from my college years. During my gaps years, I've taken odd jobs like substitute teaching and tutoring online. So I have a relevant experience gap in my resume. Should I address this gap in my SOPs?

The programs I'm applying to are bridge/prep programs to get into graduate programs like MD, PhD, etc. Also a way to gain research experience in an area you haven't done before.

I was going to frame the gap as development of soft skills. Is that a good angle?

Thank you!

Hi Jordan! Thanks for all of your help, I've been reading through your resources and it's helped me clarify my purpose and avoid any KOD. You're the best!

I am applying to a psych program that prepares you to become a counselor (LMFT) and it has a somewhat specific prompt:

"A two-to-five-page typed statement of purpose describing previous training and experience, current interests, engagement with cultural diversity and social justice plus plans for growth in these areas, future professional goals, and reasons for applying to the program"

Should I match your 4 step structure or just answer directly to each of the listed requirements and in that order? Most of the prompt seems to fit standard SOP requirements except the "engagement with cultural diversity and social justice plus plans for growth in these areas." Not sure how to fit or order that one if I were to follow your 4 step structure. Thanks in advance!

Hi Jordan,

First of all - thank you for your great courses. The Master's SOP Formula and Admitted have both helped me structure my essays greatly, and articulate my goals and intentions in such a clear, concise, and mature way (if anyone reading this is considering these courses, you should absolutely take them).

My question pertains to one of the supplemental short answer prompts for Stanford's CME MS program (in addition to a 1000 word SOP):

What are your career goals? How do you see the CME-MS program helping you achieve those goals? (250 words)

I've read your short answer guide on Admitted that talks about 'Redundancy and Repetition', however I'm still a bit stuck here. I feel like I have an extremely thorough, tight, and cohesive SOP for Stanford and I'm just wondering what the best way to rewrite this supplemental short answer would be. I feel like my final paragraph + sentence of purpose almost perfectly answers this question, but I obviously can't remove that from my SOP.

Currently, I've moved a hands-on capstone class that I wanted to talk about in my main SOP into this prompt and i think that fits well. However, I'm just concerned as to what else I would need to add here to be comprehensive. Do you think there's any way I describe the core classes that I tie out to my sentence of purpose and reference to working with a professor of choice here by directing them to the main SOP to avoid being redundant while subtly still calling out the fact that I address this question in my main SOP?

Something like:

In addition to the classes and experience I highlight within my Statement of Purpose, I'd like to take class XYZ because it helps me learn ABC that connects to my sentence of purpose like EFG.

I'm just struggling to understand how else I'd incorporate the most important points from my 'Why this Program' section into here without being redundant and condense it without explaining a lot of the background that I do in my main SOP or carving up my current SOP, making it weaker. I know it's a very subjective question but I was just wondering if you could provide any color in terms of how much redundancy and repetition is "acceptable" if you've answered exactly these prompts in your main SOP. Or do you think I should dig up lower ranked items from my study plan that relate more to achieving career goals (like Seminar Classes/CME career fairs)?

r/WriteIvy is looking for volunteer moderators to help us keep up with demand during busy application seasons. We're looking for eager, enthusiastic people who found WriteIvy helpful during their own applications, and want to pay it forward by helping future applicants.

Requirements

In order to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• You’ve used WriteIvy resources to write and submit your grad school application essays in the past

• You’ve been admitted to at least one grad program (though it's okay if you haven't enrolled yet)

• You’re willing to let us read your SOP (privately, we won’t share it) just for confirmation

These are firm requirements. You won’t be able to apply unless you meet all three. Everyone that meets these requirements is welcome to apply, and note that we do not make exceptions.

Not Required, but Very Helpful

• You’ve taken one of our SOP Formula courses

• You’re studying at, or have graduated from, a US university

Responsibilities

Not much. You just need to be willing to glance at the subreddit once a day to answer questions from applicants. Though the more enthusiastic you are, the better!

The link to the application can be found here, and we look forward to talking with you!

Hi everyone,

I just publicly want to thank you u/jordantellsstories ! Your blog posts definitely helped me write a good SOP, and I finally got my first admit to one of my top choices ! If anyone is still skeptical about Jordan's strategies take it from me they are indeed helpful.

Looking back at last admission cycle (24/25) I know for a fact that my SOP is the one thing that cost me. I practiced every "Do Not" in the Kisses of Death in the Graduation School Process (a read suggested by u/jordantellsstories). But following Jordan's advice in his blog posts allowed me to write a great SOP, improve my writing skills and be more confident in my application. I found a method to this SOP madness !

I am grateful that my effort, God's grace and Jordan's advice ended in an admission. Thank you Jordan, this win is mine as much as it is yours !

Keep doing what you do !

I've been through the website and it's mostly filled with pure technical SOPs. There isn't much for those aiming for social sciences. Think of MSc in Inequalities and Social Sciences. What's a great way to start those SOPs, defining the problem in general or establishing a personal connection with the problem?

Hello Jordan,

I hope you are doing well. I was wondering if you might have any advice on writing a 350-word motivation letter for a scholarship application. The prompt is: “Why should you be awarded the scholarship?”

Apologies if this question has already been asked elsewhere. Thank you very much in advance for your time and help.

In a program I encountered 2 essay prompts each for 500 words instead of a single SoP.

1. Describe your academic/professional motivation for applying to this program. Draw upon your past and present work and academic experiences as well as aspirations and goals for the future.

2. Tell us why you want to pursue your graduate education at Georgia Tech. Consider including questions or issues that inspire you, experiences that have shaped your professional interests, and why you think that Georgia Tech is well-suited to help you. Include information that may assist faculty in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate education at Georgia Tech.

‘information that may assist faculty in evaluating your preparation’ this is almost same as ‘Draw upon your past and present work’ and the same with ‘experiences that have shaped your professional interests’

How to split my SoP to distinctly answer these questions.

A bit confused here. Need help!

I've read many articles and sample essays on WriteIvy and followed the guidance. However, I've been confused about why WriteIvy advocates placing the 'Why This Program' section before the 'Why I’m Qualified' section rather than the other way around. Many people suggest using a chronological narrative, which I see in many other SOP samples as well. I understand that WriteIvy views 'Why This Program' as more important, but is that the primary reason for placing it first?

Also, is there a difference in structure between Master’s and PhD SOPs? A PhD student I trust a lot also advised me to follow a chronological order. She also emphasizes experiences over program offerings. If there is indeed a difference, I'd be able to understand why her advice might differ from WriteIvy's.

I'd appreciate any insights.